The Washington Wizards are starting a rebuild under their new front office led by President of Monumental Basketball Michael Winger. The team made a surprising trade just before the 2024 NBA Draft that will shift the organization’s direction.
According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the Wizards have agreed to trade promising forward Deni Avdija to the Portland Trailblazers. In return, Washington will receive veteran point guard Malcolm Brogdon, the 14th overall pick in this year’s draft, and two future second-round draft picks, as well as the second-most favorable of Portland’s 2029 first-round picks. The future second-round picks are in 2028 and 2030, per Josh Robbins of The Athletic.
Deni Avdija was a first-round Wizards pick in 2020 and had spent four seasons with the team, primarily as a reserve off the bench in his first three seasons. He moved into the starting lineup this past season, averaging career-highs with 14.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.8 assists. He also shot a career-best 50.6%, including 37.4% from three.
Avdija had signed a four-year, $55 million contract extension last October, but the contract’s structure made the 23-year-old expendable in a trade. He’ll make $15.625 million next season, but his salary will decrease each season with him making $11.875 million the final year (2027-28), per Spotrac.
The Blazers gain a young combo forward in Avdija. His defense is most notable, but Avdija has improved offensive production. He expects to develop on a team with a solid young nucleus with Scott Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe.
Malcolm Brogdon could fill the Wizards’ void at point guard
Malcolm Brogdon, an eight-year veteran, is joining the Wizards after stints with the Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers, and Boston Celtics. Brogdon won the 2016-17 NBA Rookie of the Year with the Bucks.
In 2022-23, he was named NBA Sixth Man of the Year with the Celtics. Despite that, Brogdon has been traded each of the last three off-seasons. Last year, Brogdon was involved in a three-team trade that involved the Wizards. However, the deal was nixed by the Los Angeles Clippers over Brogdon’s elbow injury.
After the Wizards and Celtics moved on into a new trade that involved the Memphis Grizzlies, Boston traded Brogdon to the Blazers, landing Jrue Holiday In 39 games with the Portland Trailblazers last season, he averaged 15.7 points and 5.5 assists.
The Wizards’ overhaul might not stop with this trade, as there are rumors of other moves including the possible trade of leading scorer Kyle Kuzma. Brogdon could be on the move again. However, the Wizards may use him to replace unrestricted free agent Tyus Jones.
The Wizards’ new regime has focused on acquiring draft capital. Trading Avdija gives the Wizards three first-round selections, including the second, 14th, and 26th overall picks.
